Arsenal VS AC Milan Match Overview
On the warm evening of July 23, 2025, the Singapore National Stadium played host to a high-profile preseason friendly between Arsenal and AC Milan. The match ended in a narrow 1–0 victory for Arsenal, thanks to a second-half strike by Bukayo Saka. While the result mattered little in the grand scheme of the upcoming season, both teams used the contest to test tactics, build match fitness, and integrate new faces. Arsenal dominated possession, unraveled Milan’s defensive block at a key moment, and ultimately claimed bragging rights in this intercontinental warm-up.
Arsenal VS AC Milan KEY MOMENT
The defining moment came in the 53rd minute when Arsenal’s new centre-back signing, Jakub Kiwior, surged down the right flank. He broke free from his marker and whipped in a low, drilled cross. Bukayo Saka timed his run perfectly, slotted the ball inside the near post, and sent the Gunners’ travelling fans into raptures. Replays confirmed that Saka was onside by a fraction, and the lone goal settled what had been a near-even opening forty-five minutes.
ARSENAL PLAYER PERFORMANCES
Bukayo Saka was a constant menace. His pace and direct running kept Milan’s backline on high alert all evening. He tracked back diligently when out of possession, pressing defenders and forcing errors. His composure in front of goal showed maturity beyond his years, serving notice of his growing importance under Mikel Arteta.
Martin Ødegaard dictated the game’s rhythm from central midfield. His vision and passing range opened lanes that Milan defenders rarely left unexploited. Although he narrowly missed a few incisive through-balls, Ødegaard’s understanding with his teammates was clear. He also contributed defensively by pressing vigorously in transition.
Teenage playmaker Ethan Nwaneri caught the eye with his creativity between the lines. He drifted into pockets of space and unleashed a curling shot that had to be tipped onto the bar by Milan’s goalkeeper. Nwaneri’s confidence on the ball and ability to pick a pass signals a bright future in Arsenal’s engine room.
In defence, William Saliba marshalled his back four with poise. He won aerial duels at will and timed his interceptions to snuff out Milan attacks before they could develop. Saliba’s communication with full-back Ben White ensured that Arsenal remained compact, cutting off early crosses and denying space in behind.
New summer signing Jurrien Timber showed glimpses of why he was brought in. His overlapping runs provided width on the right, and he delivered a dangerous cross that nearly led to a second goal. Timber also showed defensive solidity, making key tackles to halt Milan counter-attacks.
AC MILAN PLAYER PERFORMANCES
Milan’s goalkeeper, Pietro Terracciano, was busy despite limited defensive lapses. He made smart stops, most notably pushing away a fierce drive from Ødegaard in the first half. His shot-stopping kept the scoreline respectable and prevented the match from becoming a rout.
The centre-back duo of Davide Bartesaghi and Malick Thiaw formed a solid partnership. They cancelled out many of Arsenal’s wide attacks and cut out dangerous crosses. Their physicality and reading of the game ensured that Arsenal could not extend their lead after Saka’s strike.
Christian Pulisic, on for the final half-hour, attempted to spark Milan’s attack. He drifted inside from the left and tested Saliba with a low-driven shot, only to be denied by a well-timed block. Pulisic’s movement troubled defenders, but service into the box was inconsistent.
In midfield, Yunus Musah worked hard to link play and break up Arsenal’s build-up. His tackling and pressing were energetic, though his team struggled to maintain possession for long spells. Theo Hernández attempted to push forward at every opportunity but found his crossing met by Saliba and White.
TACTICAL ANALYSIS
Arsenal lined up in a fluid 4-3-3 that transformed into a 2-3-5 in possession. The full-backs, White and Timber, pushed high to supply overlapping support. Ødegaard sat between the lines, orchestrating attacks, while Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi provided a shield in front of the back four. The high press unsettled Milan’s defenders early, leading to turnovers in dangerous areas.
Milan, under the watchful eye of Massimiliano Allegri, adopted a disciplined 4-4-2 block. They sat deep, aimed to absorb pressure, and targeted Arsenal on the break. The wingers, Rafael Leão and Pulisic, stayed wide to stretch play, yet opportunities were rare. Milan’s midfield midfielders often bypassed one another with long balls, but Arsenal’s pressing lanes cut off passing angles.
In the second half, Arteta introduced fresh legs—Trossard, Kepa, and academy prospects—to maintain intensity. The shift in personnel preserved Arsenal’s tempo and aided the late-pressed Milan backline. While Milan won the scheduled practice penalty shoot-out 6–5, thanks to three saves by Mike Maignan’s stand-in Antonio Torriani, it was Arsenal who held the edge in open play.
HIGHLIGHTS & TURNING POINTS
The first half saw an even exchange of half-chances. Ødegaard’s shot against the bar and Nwaneri’s curling effort were matched by Terracciano’s solid stops. The opening goal overturned the balance, forcing Milan to chase the game. Arsenal’s subsequent substitutions maintained wave after wave of attacking momentum. Milan’s only real comfort came in the practice penalties, which they edged in sudden death.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR BOTH TEAMS?
Arsenal will remain in Singapore for their next preseason fixture against Newcastle United. They will look to refine their press and sharpen their attacking patterns, using the positive display as a foundation. Mikel Arteta’s men will also use travel days to build fitness and team cohesion before Europe beckons.
AC Milan travel north to Hong Kong for a clash with Liverpool. They aim to build attacking cohesion and iron out defensive kinks exposed by Arsenal’s high press. Allegri will likely tinker with formations, perhaps experimenting with a more possession-based midfield in future friendlies.
CONCLUSION
The Arsenal vs AC Milan friendly in Singapore offered a tantalizing glimpse of both teams’ summer plans. Arsenal’s fluid attacking play, led by a decisive Bukayo Saka, earned them a 1–0 win in open play. Their high press, midfield control, and full-back support proved decisive. Milan’s defensive resilience kept the match alive, and the Rossoneri edged a penalty shoot-out practice. As preseason journeys continue, both sides will take lessons from this contest. Arsenal will celebrate a performance rich in confidence, while Milan must sharpen their possession and chance creation before competitive fixtures begin.
FAQs
Who scored the only goal in the Arsenal vs AC Milan friendly?
Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal in the 53rd minute with a well-timed run and precise finish from Jakub Kiwior’s cross.
How did Arsenal set up tactically against AC Milan?
Arsenal used a flexible 4-3-3 that turned into a 2-3-5 in possession. Full-backs pushed high and a high press forced Milan into errors.
Which Milan players stood out in defence?
Davide Bartesaghi and Malick Thiaw formed a solid defensive partnership, thwarting several Arsenal attacks and cutting out many crosses.
What was the result of the practice penalty shoot-out?
AC Milan won the practice shoot-out 6–5. Both goalkeepers made three saves each before Milan edged ahead in sudden death.
Where will each team play their next preseason match?
Arsenal remain in Singapore to face Newcastle United next. AC Milan travel to Hong Kong for a fixture against Liverpool.
Donald George holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts and has spent the past decade honing his craft in Astrophotography and Origami. He has authored numerous academic papers on astrophotography techniques and the art of paper folding, and his work is frequently cited in specialist journals. With ten years of hands‑on experience, Donald combines his artistic vision and technical expertise to push the boundaries of both traditional fine art and Astrophotography.
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